We Are All Birds of Uganda

We Are All Birds of Uganda by Hafsa Zayyan
Reviewed by Linda
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Thank you to @penguinrandomhouse for this copy! 💙

Between 20th century Uganda and present day London and Leicester, Zayyan takes us on a journey in more ways than one. The plot is layered, the writing beautiful and the story insightful, this could be Zayyan’s 4th book if I didn’t know otherwise! Most importantly we get an education on the product of British Imperialism, the lives of Ugandan-Indians and native Ugandans in Kampala. No safaris, no stereotypes, nothing of the sort, just pure quality throughout.

No matter the subject, Zayyan always gives us both sides of the coin. When we meet Hassan writing love letters to his late wife in 1946, we are also introduced to his grandson Sameer, a high flying Leicester born lawyer, living his best life in present day London.

However, the era of coexistence, trade and harmony is shattered under Amin’s dictatorship and Hassan’s family is exiled, crossing oceans to settle in Leicester and establish themselves once more. His soul is diminished with the only thing keeping him going, the dream of returning home to Uganda.

Sameer is raised to appreciate his parent’s sacrifices and succeed in all of his endeavours. But despite the money and status, he lives under the pressure of being the dutiful son and is unfulfilled. Never having met, but connected by blood, Sameer finds solace in Uganda as his grandfather did. As Sameer traces his grandfather’s steps, their souls connect and a sort of contentment is found.

Zayyan tackles racial divides cleverly, and we see the prejudices that Hassan faces in the 70s follow Sameer into recent times. But what I enjoyed reading the most was Sameer’s understanding of his faith amplified by his respect for Maryam. His spiritual journey wasn’t forced (neither was their union) and it was good to see him finally grow up and take responsibility!

I personally needed more from the ending but on reflection, I’m warming to it.